Respectful Communication

Emotional Intelligence and Respectful Communication

Children’s Voice – At Annan School children feel listened to and respected. They can make suggestions and know they will be taken seriously. We have a regular opportunities for children to bring up issues as a group and discuss matters which are important to them.

Behaviour – We encourage children to be responsible for their own behaviour, to understand the effects and consequences of their choices and to feel valued, respected and treated fairly. Our primary aim is to promote good relationships so that everyone can work together in an environment where all feel happy, safe and secure enabling everyone to learn. Our high expectations of good behaviour lead children towards positive self-esteem and self-discipline.

We maintain mutual respect through listening to children and encouraging children to talk about their feelings both to adults and to each other. In this way most issues are dealt with before they escalate and children are guided to freedom with responsibility. However, if behaviour has become a serious concern teachers and parents work out an agreed positive approach to address the particular problem.

By use of a model of emotional intelligence and respectful communication we aim to help children learn emotional maturity, co-operation, empathy and respect.

Can I find out more about respectful communication?

All staff undertake Emotional Intelligence Training and training workshops are also available for parents.

“You really know understand and “get” our son. This is important as anyone who is understood and supported in the way he is will thrive so we are very happy.”

Parents are offered the opportunity to attend a short parenting course on Respectful Communication. There is also a good website to look at and book to read by our trainer.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if children are unkind to each other?

Children are encouraged to tell others when they don’t like something which has been said or done. Children also know that they can ask for help from an adult if they need it.

Do you use rewards and punishments?

As teachers we model respectful communication and believe that by using a strong emotional intelligence model we do not need a system of rewards or punishments. We help children to develop self-motivation and self-discipline by learning to communicate their needs and feelings appropriately. Children are intrinsically motivated and enthusiastic to learn and build a happy community in which to work.

There are sanctions in place for when things go wrong and children are aware of these, however we believe that when children’s needs are met they rarely resort to inappropriate behaviour.

How are children's successes celebrated?

Teachers regularly celebrate the effort and work children do in class by positive acknowledgement. Children also praise each others work and are encouraged to make positive feedback. When children have made an especially big effort they are able to show their work to other classes, teachers or the headteachers. We also give children regular opportunities to show their work or other achievements in weekly Gatherings of the whole school.

Do you have a school council?

All classes hold class forums where they can talk through issues which come up in school. Children have the opportunity to discuss issues around school of importance to them such as playtime games, relationships with others or after school clubs.

How do you deal with bullying?

We work hard to ensure children feel safe and secure in school and to teach them strategies to use when other children are unkind. Any instances of a bullying nature are taken very seriously and tackled without delay. Children are also encouraged to talk to any member of staff and know they will be listened to.